WHAT to do in Athens

There are endless possibilities and things to do in Athens to suit a wide range of interests but as always it comes down to that precious commodity called time. We’ve compiled and curated the very best of what to do and things to see including, attractions, museums, shopping and other leisurely activities for you to get the most out of your visit to Athens. So get your walking shoes on, pack some sunscreen and get ready to explore this fascinating metropolis.

Athens attractions

It goes without saying that you really must see the Acropolis and set aside at least half a day to do so. It is unlikely that you will get to see all of the Athens attractions in one visit, particularly if you want to go at a reasonable pace, smell the roses and enjoy the modern side of Athens as well.

Things to do in Athens: museums

You can read about Athens museums in our ‘Museums’ category. History buffs will have an absolute field day particularly when it comes to the Acropolis Museum. Ranked as one of the best museums in the world, the collections from the Greek Bronze era to the Roman and Byzantine periods are truly exceptional. It’s a good idea to attend the museum before you go to the Acropolis, as it will put a great deal of what you will see in and around the Parthenon into perspective. Museum guides are also available in several languages.

Things to do in Athens: shopping

For those wanting to squeeze in some shopping therapy, we have divided our shopping category into two. In our ‘Where to Shop’ category, we provide a curated list of shops that are first and foremost Athenian. You will find stylish Greek fashion labels and independent designers. If you’re looking for a special keepsake to take home and remember Greece by, our ‘Souvenirs’ category features authentic Greek gifts that are lovingly made in Greece.

Things to do in Athens: leisure & experiences

We’re all for site seeing and exploring but somewhere in your trip you may just want to relax and enjoy the city as the locals do. In our ‘Leisure’ category, we’ve listed some stand out places to go and relax including one of the oldest places to sip a coffee in Athens, along with the best place to spend the day swimming. If you want to meet some locals and find out more about the city, its culture and history, we’ve selected some of the best-structured day tours.

A Shopper’s guide to Kolonaki, Athens

The central neighbourhood of Kolonaki is one of the oldest districts in Athens and a must visit if you love to shop or want to spend a relaxing day people watching, whilst sipping a Greek coffee. Kolonaki has seen a new wave of designer shops, café’s and restaurants emerge, which are upheld beyond the tourist season…

The centre of it all on Romvis Street

Locals have traditionally come to Romvis Street and the surrounding area for the specialist haberdashery and fabric stores. Today, it attracts more than savvy fashion designers and brides to be. This small pedestrianised pocket in central Athens now has a new story to tell, one that offers dynamic food and drinks from breakfast through to dinner…

Museum of Cycladic Art

The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens showcases a fascinating collection gathered by the late shipping magnate Nicholas Goulandris and his wife Dolly. Expanding over four levels, the artworks give real insight into the ancient civilisations of the Cycladic Islands. The remnants of these ancient societies from 3200-2000BC, gives telling information on how ancient Greeks…

Made in Greece

A new generation of creative thinkers have redefined what made in Greece means. Returning to their cultural roots for inspiration, local designers are embracing Greek raw materials and ancient crafts to create a new age of Greek brands. From fashion to homewares, these collections are on the way up, establishing a loyal following both locally…

Experiencing Athens, from tourist to local

There was a time when I was a tourist in Athens. I would usually dedicate the last three days of my Greek holiday to the capital before making the painfully long journey back home to Australia. Three days was never enough, I often felt disappointed that I couldn’t conquer the city in that time and…